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Johnson expects roster decisions to be easy

Johnson expects roster decisions to be easy

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PHILADELPHIA -- Davey Johnson doesn't expect to have too many tough decisions as the Nationals push to win the National League East and the skipper sets his roster for the playoffs.

Johnson has led Washington to the playoffs in his first full season as manager with the club. He doesn't platoon any players -- they have skilled backups like Tyler Moore, Steve Lombardozzi, Jesus Flores and Roger Bernadina who have been called on often this season -- which means he shouldn't have much difficulty configuring his bench.

"A lot of it is how we match up," Johnson said. "Every club is different. But those decisions, I don't have to make those decisions just yet. You look at all the factors involved. You can change players from one series to another. Sometimes you do that. But if the team is put together pretty balanced, like this team is, you don't have to do that."

On many occasions this season, Johnson has opted to lean toward an extra reliever rather than an extra hitter off the bench. He'll have at least one extra spot to work with, as the Nats won't likely need more than four starters.

"You're definitely gonna have an extra guy because you're not gonna need a fifth starter," Johnson said. "So that depends on the hot hands going in, and sometimes you've got a guy maybe not quite 100 percent, so you pick another guy.

"Just depends on the team. I don't have any platoon situations. I don't have anybody I'm gonna be pinch-hitting for, so I don't need a big bench. More times than not, you need that extra pitcher."